Ster-Kinekor closing major theatres in South Africa

South African cinema chain Ster-Kinekor has closed two major locations since the start of the year, while others appear to be operating at limited capacity.

Most recently, it shut its cinema complex at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal. It was the second quiet closure reported by moviegoers this year.

Its last trading day was 8 May 2025. Ster-Kinekor was quiet about its exit from the mall. It only displayed a notice at the cinema complex’s entrance.

“We regret to inform you that Ster-Kinekor Gateway will no longer be operational from 9 May 2025. But don’t worry — the show goes on!”

It added that the nearest Ster-Kinekor location was ready to welcome fans of the Gateway cinema complex.

However, considering only two Ster-Kinekor theatres remain in KwaZulu-Natal, these fans would have to travel nearly 45km to the Watercrest Mall site, or almost 150km to Ster-Kinekor’s Shelly Beach cinema.

The Gateway Theatre of Shopping confirmed the closure to MyBroadband and revealed that another operator would take over the space.

“Gateway Theatre of Shopping can confirm that Ster-Kinekor has officially closed at the centre,” it said.

“A new cinema operator will be taking over the space, and further details will be shared on our social media platforms in due course.”

Nu Metro later confirmed to MyBroadband that it would open cinemas at the mall.

It is unclear what caused Ster-Kinekor’s exit from the site, as the company told MyBroadband that it had not initiated the decision.

This raised questions over whether it was in dispute over rent with the mall’s management, however, Ster-Kinekor indicated that they parted on good terms.

“We part ways with Gateway on good terms and with mutual respect,” a spokesperson said.

“We are proud to have been part of the centre’s entertainment offering and are grateful for the positive relationship we’ve enjoyed over the years.”

Nu Metro’s second Ster-Kinekor takeover of 2025

Ster-Kinekor closed its cinema complex in Bedford Square, Bedfordview, in early 2025.

Entertainment journalist Jason Smith posted images of the closed site, which had a Nu Metro “Coming Soon” notice placed outside its entrance.

It should be noted that Nu Metro already had a site in Bedfordview. However, it planned to open an exclusive, VIP cinema in Bedford Square.

Nu Metro’s new VIP cinema opened in Ster-Kinekor’s place on 9 May 2025.

“A new era of luxury movie nights has arrived at Bedford Centre,” it said.

“Join us today for the opening of our exclusive VIP Cinema at Bedford Centre! Experience plush reclining seats, gourmet cuisine, and a fully licensed bar.”

Ster-Kinekor has been struggling since the rise of streaming, combined with low audience turnout following the Covid-19 pandemic and the frequent load-shedding in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

In April 2024, it revealed plans to lay off a significant portion of its staff and close up to nine cinemas in South Africa’s most populous provinces.

Sites in the firing line included Cedar Square, Maponya, Matlosana, Southgate, and the Sterland Theatre in Gauteng, as well as the Boardwalk and Shelly Beach sites in KwaZulu-Natal and the Mimosa Theatre in the Free State.

The closures were set to happen gradually over six months. However, it didn’t proceed with all the planned terminations and closures.

“Initially, Ster-Kinekor was considering closing nine of its cinema sites, but at this stage, only two sites have been impacted — Boardwalk in Richard’s Bay and the Greenstone Mall,” said Ster-Kinekor CEO Mark Sardi.

“Of the remaining sites identified, the company is currently in discussions with landlords and partners to consider different entertainment and education strategies within the cinema space.”

However, some sites set for closure that have yet to be shuttered, such as Ster-Kinekor Cedar Square, appear to be operating with limited hours and staff.

“Pathetic service. Waiting time is over 20 min. Barely staff to attend,” one visitor said in a Google Review.

“Confectionery was severely underprepared and understaffed. We waited for over 35 minutes to collect items, and missed the beginning of the movie,” another said.

A MyBroadband reader who frequents the Cedar Square shopping centre informed us that the theatre often appears unmanned and unoperational.

However, Ster-Kinekor’s website still lists daily showtimes for movies available at the Cedar Square cinema.